Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh acknowledges that their highly aggressive batting strategy might not always succeed. However, he confirms that the team will maintain this attacking mindset as they prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup, especially after their less-than-stellar performances in the previous two tournaments.
This commitment to aggression comes ahead of a crucial five-match T20I series against India, set to kick off in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This series is a vital part of their preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year. Historically, Australia claimed the T20 World Cup title in 2021, while India emerged victorious in the most recent 2024 edition.
“We’ve experienced two World Cups where we didn’t achieve our ultimate goal,” Marsh stated during Tuesday’s pre-series press conference. “We’ve challenged ourselves as a team to identify the strategies that will lead us to World Cup victory.”
“Our batting unit has significantly upped its aggression, a trend many T20 teams have adopted in recent years,” he explained. “Looking ahead to the World Cup in India, this is undeniably how we intend to play. We understand we won’t always get it right, and there will be failures. However, we have a clear vision for our approach, which we believe offers our best shot at success. We hope to see this strategy continue to develop effectively.” Australia’s previous T20 World Cup campaigns saw them exit in the Super 12s in 2022 and the Super 8s in 2024.
“India is a fantastic team, and we hold them in high regard,” Marsh commented. “This five-match series promises a lot of excitement for the fans. It’s an encounter between two genuinely strong teams, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.” While refraining from commenting on India’s specific World Cup preparations, Marsh expressed confidence in Australia’s own progress as a unit.
“I’m not here to delve into India’s World Cup preparations,” Marsh stated, “but I can say that we have eight games remaining, and we are steadily shaping our team’s playing style and approach. We feel great about where we are right now, but we are well aware that this series against India will be a significant test.” Despite many Australian players, including Marsh himself, regularly featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and being familiar with Indian players, the Australian captain emphasized that this familiarity does not diminish the challenge.
“It doesn’t necessarily make it more challenging,” Marsh clarified. “In modern cricket, there’s so much footage available; everyone studies everyone else. Ultimately, it all boils down to execution under pressure.”
Abhishek Sharma: An Incredible Talent
Abhishek Sharma has been in phenomenal form as an opener, accumulating an impressive 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and a blistering strike rate of 200 during India’s recent Asia Cup victory.
“He clearly sets the tone for their team,” Marsh noted. “He’s been outstanding for the Sunrisers (in IPL) recently. He’ll present a tough challenge, but as players, you always want to test yourselves against the world’s best, and we recognize him as one of them.”
The Australian skipper himself has been in excellent form at the top of the order, having notched up two centuries and two half-centuries in his last ten innings.
“As any batsman, my primary goal is to contribute to Australia winning matches. That’s my sole focus when I’m at the crease; I’m not primarily thinking as a captain,” Marsh explained. “I aim to build strong partnerships with players like Heady or whoever I’m batting with, and I hope that continues.” Meanwhile, with Ashes preparations well underway, Australia’s T20I squad is seeing a fair amount of player rotation.
For instance, leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be absent for the initial matches as he celebrates the birth of his second child. Josh Hazlewood is scheduled to withdraw after the first two games, and Sean Abbott will leave after the third.
“We are certainly experiencing player comings and goings,” Marsh affirmed. “But this has become typical for white-ball teams in recent years due to packed schedules. Some players are returning to play Shield cricket, while others are coming back from injury. So, it’s really about being flexible. Every player understands their role when they join the squad; it’s about clarity in those roles and then stepping up to perform.”